Christian Yelich Out for the Season Due to Back Surgery
The Milwaukee Brewers must face the remainder of the 2024 MLB season without their star outfielder Christian Yelich, who is set to undergo season-ending back surgery. Yelich and the Brewers made the announcement on Thursday, signaling a significant blow to the team's roster as they continue their postseason push.
Yelich’s ongoing battle with back issues has been a persistent theme throughout much of his career. His latest bout with lower back inflammation has sidelined him since July 23. Despite extensive efforts, the necessary procedure will now be performed by Dr. Brandon Rebholz on Friday, marking the end of Yelich’s remarkable bounce-back season.
Before his injury, Yelich was showcasing formidable form, posting a .315/.406/.504 slash line, collecting 11 home runs, and swiping 21 bases over just 73 games. His stellar performance translated to a 152 OPS+, a stark reminder of his elite capabilities when healthy.
Brewers' Lineup Adjustments
The Brewers have attempted to fill the void left by Yelich with other left-handed hitters in their lineup, including Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang. However, their efforts to secure an additional left-handed hitter ahead of the July 30 trade deadline were unsuccessful.
Despite the absence of their star outfielder, the Brewers have managed to hold their own, posting an 11-9 record since Yelich’s departure. The team's overall standings reflect a robust campaign, currently sitting at 69-52 with a nine-game lead in the NL Central. In fact, the Brewers boast the largest division lead in baseball, underscoring their resilience and depth.
Yelich's contribution extends beyond his offensive prowess. However, it's worth noting his defensive metrics have graded out as below average at this stage of his career. While his absence will undoubtedly be felt, Milwaukee’s strength lies in its deep roster capable of stepping up during critical moments.
Yelich’s Perspective
In a heartfelt statement, Yelich shared his thoughts on the decision to undergo surgery. “After careful consideration and consultation with medical personnel, I have decided to undergo season-ending back surgery,” said Yelich. “I ultimately felt it was in the best interest of myself and the Brewers to have the surgery with the expectation of being back at 100% for next season.”
Yelich also expressed his disappointment at not being able to contribute on the field down the stretch but expressed confidence in his teammates. “We have a very special team here and it will be disappointing not to be able to contribute on the field down the stretch. However, I have the utmost confidence in my teammates and will be cheering them on with all of you, the great fans of Milwaukee. Thank you for all your support. Go Brewers!”
Long-term Commitment
This year marks the fifth of the nine-year, $215 million contract extension Yelich signed back in March 2020. Under this deal, Yelich stands to earn $26 million annually from 2025 to 2028, along with a $20 million mutual option for 2029. This underscores the long-term commitment both Yelich and the Brewers have made to each other.
Although Yelich's injury is a setback, the Brewers' strong position and deep roster provide a solid foundation to navigate the remainder of the season. Fans and the team alike will be hoping for Yelich’s successful recovery and eagerly awaiting his return to full health for next season.
As the season continues, the Brewers will be striving to maintain their impressive form and secure their spot in the playoffs, all while their injured star player cheers them on from the sidelines.